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Wednesday, 15 May 2013

Rajasthan university to introduce M.Phil on gender studies

JAIPUR: The Rajasthan university will introduce an interdisciplinary M.Phil on gender studies with special reference to women from the coming session. It was approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The course aims to study the impact of state politics, society and media from a woman's perspective. It will promote research work on women's issues at local, regional and national level which will help government in framing polices and schemes.

The decision to introduce the course was taken after the cases of atrocities on women hit national headlines. "The ruthless murder of Nirbhaya is still alive in the memory of Indians, which provoked people from all walks of life to address issues involving women," said Madhukar Gupta, vice-chancellor, RU.

The course will sensitize students on women's rights, gender disparity, sexuality and social inequality. "Women are at receiving end in all quarters. Initially, the course will produce a force of professionals specializing in women issues to work with government agencies and NGOs," said Kshama Aggarwal, professor at RU and coordinator of the course.

She said the course will help evaluate and monitor the situation of women in different strata of society. "Till now the work on women's issues was restricted to some sections of society. But in our programme, we have broadened the spectrum by addressing issues relating to minors to elderly women," said Aggarwal.

Duration of the course is one year and it will cost Rs 20,000. It is an interdisciplinary course and candidates with sound background in humanities are eligible to apply. The course will be job-oriented.